Jim Sanger Joins the Heights Center as Chief Operating Officer

Fort Myers, FL, August 25, 2012 --(PR.com)-- The Heights Foundation welcomes Jim Sanger in his new position as Chief Operating Officer of the Heights Center, a $5.8 million Cultural Arts and Community Center in the Harlem Heights neighborhood. Sanger will oversee all facilities, human resources, accounting and day-to-day operation of the Center. When complete this winter, the Heights Center will be a place for education, opportunity, and enrichment – building strong, self-sufficient families.

Sanger brings over 23 years of senior management experience to the Heights Center. Originally from York, Pennsylvania, he graduated from Marietta College in Ohio with a degree in Fitness Management. Sanger currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Sheriff’s Youth Activity League and is a member of the Downtown Rotary Club. He and his wife Lori have two children and enjoy watching their children’s sporting events and relaxing at the beach.

“We are thrilled to have Jim join the Heights Center. His extensive experience in operations and strategic planning make him an excellent addition to our leadership team,” said Founder and Executive Director Kathryn Kelly. “The Center is in the heart of the Harlem Heights community where families can meet, where children can receive tutoring and after school care, where adults can receive education, job training, health advocacy, social services and more.”

Harlem Heights is a severely distressed community, with children living in poverty at twice the rate of the rest of Lee County. The Heights Foundation has worked for over a decade to come alongside Heights families and work with them by promoting education and opportunity through programs, outreach and advocacy. Their programs create a network of care and support that helps families create deep and long lasting change, thanks to partners like community organizations, churches, social service agencies and more.

For more information about The Heights Foundation and The Heights Center please call 239.482.7706 or email info@heightsfoundation.org

About the Heights Center

The Heights Center, supported by the Heights Foundation, is a place for Education, Opportunity, and Enrichment. We work to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood. As a 501(c)3 grassroots organization, the Center’s mission is to promote family and community development, support education, health and wellness, and provide the benefits of enrichment, expressive and cultural arts.

Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community. Approximately 1,200 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 55% Hispanic, 36% African-American, and 9% Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% below the county average. Families are not able to easily access family support services located in downtown Fort Myers, and benefit greatly from programs located within the neighborhood.